The statistics on poverty in the US are startling. According to the US Census Bureau, over 37 million people lived in poverty in 2007. Between 2000 and 2007 the number of those living in poverty increased by 6 million people. This is in the United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Even more startling is that 37% of households headed by women with children lived in poverty. While the US sends funds overseas to help countries stricken by acts of nature, poverty in this country is largely overlooked. Food stamps help those in need get food, but having a sense of privacy within ones home, is equally important.

While installing window treatments isn’t going to end the amount of poverty in America, window treatments offer a sense of privacy to families as well as helping to insulate homes and apartments against the sun and cold. Window treatments cut energy bills, reducing the need for air conditioning and heat. For those who struggle to pay monthly energy bills, having a way to reduce their dependency on air conditioning and heat can be priceless. There are window treatments that start at as little as $13.05, which make them affordable for every income range.

These blinds include models such as discount faux wood blinds and discount mini blinds. Both the Embassy 1” Mini blinds and the Classic Aluminum Mini-blinds are priced at just over $13.00 each. Every family has the right to privacy, dignity and a little protection against the elements. Other discount mini blinds can be found at prices that range from $20.00-$35.00 per blinds.

55% of children in low-income families have at least one parent who works full-time year round, reports the National Center for Children in Poverty. With the economic crisis of the past few years, it’s gotten harder and harder for families to make ends meet. Simple comforts such as home furnishings are often sacrificed in order to keep a roof over a family’s head and food on the table.

Poverty in the US is rampant. Any company that helps make simple creature comforts affordable should be rewarded. People are losing their homes at an alarming rate. Jobs are hard to find and while things look as if they are slowly turning around, it will be a long time before we can say that we have done our best to take care of every American.

While love is free, parents want to provide their children with food, furniture and a home to live in - a place where they can feel secure. Sometimes being able to close a window blind to shut out the world is enough to get someone through another day.

It’s encouraging to see companies taking notice of the hardships in this country and responding to them. Discount mini-blinds, discount furniture, re-used and recycled produces all make life a little easier for people struggling to simply survive.